Enhanced window security
26 April 2007
Secondary glazing system to enhance window security
ENHANCED WINDOW SECURITY Windows have traditionally been seen as “soft targets” for physical attack and points of entry for intruders and have provided little protection against bomb blast. Flying glass can be a major cause of injury to those in buildings that suffer a bomb blast and building owners and managers have a duty of care under their Health and Safety obligations to consider the risks.
Royal Warrant Holder, Selectaglaze Ltd., has developed a range of products to enhance window protection, based on their market leading secondary glazing systems. Secondary glazing, not to be confused with double-glazing, involves the installation of a separate purpose made window to the room-side of the primary window.
Where lives are potentially at stake or the need to protect property is critical products must be fully tested and certified. Physical Attack Secondary windows, even with the simplest of catches and strengthened glass, will create an additional barrier to entry. This is important since any physical attack needs first to breach the primary window and the longer an attack takes, the more likely that an alarm will be triggered and people and property safeguarded.
For added peace of mind products tested to BS7950 “windows for enhanced security” and accredited to “Secured by Design” should be considered. Laminated glass is recommended. For higher risk areas, Standard LPS1175 set by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) will apply.
There are 6 levels of resistance measured in terms of the attack tools and the time available to the attacker. Tools for a Level 1 attack include a screwdriver, lever, pliers and knife rising to a battery drill, crowbar and small axe at Level 3. Selectaglaze has products tested to BS7950 and LPS 1175 Levels 1, 2 and 3 offering a secure option to bars and grills.
Blast Resistance A car bomb can shatter annealed glass more than 100M away. Window products are tested at a specialist range to standard ISO/DIS 16933. High explosives replicate the effects of both small devices and vehicle bombs and Selectaglaze products have been certified to offer a high level of hazard protection at various distances between 45M and 20M from the blast.
Ballistic Protection Products must be certified to test standard BS EN 1522/1523 and a Selectaglaze product has achieved an FB4 (NS) Classification, which covers a .44 Magnum handgun.
Fire Rating Selectaglaze has developed a Fixed Unit that has successfully passed a 30 minute integrity fire test, at temperatures that would normally melt aluminium. Tested to BS EN 1363 /1364 the unit incorporates Pilkington’s new PyrodurTM glass, in conjunction with fire grade mastics and intumescent seals. It is suitable for vulnerable areas such as windows adjacent to fire escapes.
Energy Efficiency In addition to offering “discrete” protection at the window, secondary glazing provides high levels of thermal insulation. By trapping an insulating layer of air between the existing and secondary window, together with efficient seals to the perimeter frame and opening panels, drafts will be minimised, ensuring a reduction in heat loss and a more comfortable environment.
Using software developed by The Centre for Window Cladding and Technology, Selectaglaze’s systems have been certified to provide U-values of 2.0 or less in combination with existing primary windows, thus meeting the requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations.
Secondary windows are constructed from aluminium sections with permanent paint or anodised finishes to complement the interior décor. A range of operating styles including fixed, hinged, vertical and horizontal sliding, together with the ability to shape and curve selected frames, allows almost any window to be sympathetically treated. They can be retrofitted in most buildings very little disruption to the building or its occupants. Selectaglaze can be contacted at: 01727 837271 e-mail: enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk www.selectaglaze.co.uk
